Japan striker Yano home from Bundesliga

Japanese striker Kisho Yano has returned to his old home Albirex Niigata after two seasons with Bundesliga outfit Freiburg, the J-League first-division side said Wednesday.

The 27-year-old moved to the German league from Niigata in August 2010 after briefly playing for Japan in the World Cup in South Africa when the Blue Samurai reached the last 16.

The 185-centimetre (6-foot 1-inch) target man played in 15 Bundesliga games without scoring a goal in the 2010-2011 season. He failed to make any appearances for Freiburg this season before he was released in December.

"I had a hard time for about a year-and-a-half in Germany but it was nonetheless a valuable and wonderful experience," said Yano. "I want to show how much I have improved so my experience will not be wasted."

Before moving to Germany, Yano scored 34 goals in 191 J-League games with Kashiwa Reysol (2003-2005) and Niigata (2006-2010). He also netted two goals in 19 matches for Japan.